Dashbox PM Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dashbox PM?

Dashbox PM is a subscription service that aggregates and manages all of your production music and sound effects. Installing our server-based software allows you to organize and search all of your production music and sound effects through an easy-to-use browser based interface. We take care of monthly updates to your production music libraries and allow you to focus on the creative aspects of your business.

Is Dashbox PM for me?

Dashbox PM is for you if one or more of the following applies:

you have license agreements with more than one production library
you are tired of managing multiple library update schedules and formats
you are fed up with logging into multiple websites to find music for your productions
you need to control access to your music
you find generating cue sheets a chore

How much does it cost?

Our monthly subscription fee is tied to the number of Dashbox PM users you have. For one low fee, you will receive a license to our software, including enhancements, and regular updates to the repertoire in your music libraries.

What do I need to use Dashbox PM?

Dashbox PM requires a server and sufficient hard-drive storage to accommodate all of your production music libraries, including updates. Our minimum system requirements are set out below and our team will help you determine specifically what you need. Dashbox PM also requires that you have a license agreement in place with any production music libraries you wish to be included and updated on your system.

What are the system requirements to run Dashbox PM?

For a small operation (10 or fewer active users), we suggest a minimum configuration of:

2.8GHz dual-core processor
4GB of RAM
5GB of hard drive space plus sufficient attached RAID storage to store digitized libraries
Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, 32- or 64-bit version (requires license from Microsoft)
Microsoft SQL 2005 Express Edition (free) *

For a larger operation (11+ active users), we suggest a minimum configuration of:

2.66GHz quad-core processor
8GB of RAM
5GB of hard drive space for Dashbox software
Dual 40GB Solid State Drives (SSD) in RAID configuration ***
Sufficient attached RAID storage to store digitized libraries
Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, 64-bit version (requires license from Microsoft)
Microsoft SQL 2005 Standard Edition, 64-bit version (requires license from Microsoft) **

For customers who require a high-availability solution with disaster recovery support, we suggest purchasing two identical servers with:

Intel Xeon Processor (2.66 Ghz and above)
8GB of RAM
5GB of hard drive space for Dashbox software on hot-swappable SATA drives
Dual 40GB Solid State Drives (SSD) in RAID configuration ***
Sufficient attached RAID storage to store digitized libraries
Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, 64-bit version (requires license from Microsoft)
Microsoft SQL 2005 Standard Edition, 64-bit version (requires license from Microsoft) **
Marathon EverRun software

Recommended RAID configuration for library storage:
Customers should purchase dedicated, enterprise-class RAID storage to be directly attached to the Dashbox server. We recommend purchasing storage that attaches via a SAS or 4Gb/sec Fibre Channel connection. Customers should populate their storage array(s) with enterprise-quality drives configured as RAID 5, and plan to include at least one warm standby drive per 8 drives in their array(s).

* Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition supports a single processor and 1GB of memory; however, it is free of charge and is generally suitable for smaller shops. If performance is critical to your organization, you may purchase a license for SQL Server Standard Edition.
** Microsoft SQL Server requires a license for each processor, so a multi-processor servers require multiple licenses. However, a server with a single multi-core processor only requires a single SQL license, and multiple single-processor servers configured as a high-availability cluster (under Marathon) only require a single SQL license.

*** Recommend purchasing SSD drives with TRIM support and SandForce controller.

How often is my music updated?

We will update your music every month with one hard drive. This hard drive will update all of the libraries that you are licensed to use.

Can I add my own music to the service?

Yes. It is simple to add your own music to the service with our Ingest Tool. Doing this will allow you to have all of your music in one easily searchable place.

Can I download music from Dashbox PM?

Yes you can. Our service provides you with high quality wav files for you to download for all your production needs as well as mp3s for auditioning.

Can I get my sound effects as well?

Yes. We have relationships with many of the leading sound effects libraries and they are available through our service. We can even help you buy some libraries if you need to expand your collection. If you have any questions about the availability of specific sound effects libraries please contact us at contact@dashbox.com.

Do I need to install Dashbox PM myself?

No. We will install the software on your servers for you and get you up and running. All we will need to do this is remote access to the server you want to use for the dashbox service. Installation is a straight forward process and we can have you up and running in less than a day.

Can you provide the hardware for me?

If you don’t have the hardware required to run Dashbox PM, we can assist you in getting all the hardware you require.

We have people who work from out of the office. Can they access Dashbox PM?

Yes. You can provide outside access through a secure VPN.

Is all the music from all the libraries I am licensed to use available?

We have music from hundreds of libraries and are constantly adding new libraries every month. Please contact us at contact@dashbox.com if you have any questions about the availability of a particular library.